Guama Loungestoel by Rafael Oliva is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in IJzer in Meubelontwerp Competition Category.
IJzerMeubels· 2026
Guama Loungestoel
by Rafael Oliva
Client: Labmobili
A' Design Award in IJzer Winner in Meubels Category
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- Verified Award Winner
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The Design
About Guama Loungestoel
De collectie roept een moderne troon op door haar minimalistische, eigentijdse, universele en onmiskenbaar Braziliaanse ontwerp. De ingetogen geometrie herleidt de vorm tot haar essentie, waardoor de warmte en aanwezigheid van massief hout de leiding krijgen. Vervaardigd uit verantwoord gewonnen hout, balanceert het industriële precisie met fijn handwerk, waar erfgoed en materiaal samenkomen. Elke lijn en textuur eert het materiaal en biedt een tactiele ervaring die de voorouderlijke ziel verbindt met modern minimalisme. Deze collectie viert de ruwe kracht van de natuur en de hand van menselijke creativiteit.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award in IJzer
Guama Loungestoel is winnaar van de A' Design Award in IJzer, een prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan goede ontwerpen die voldoen aan de professionele en industriële eisen die worden verwacht van goed ontworpen creaties. Winnaars in IJzer tonen grote vaardigheid, hoge specialisatie, deskundig inzicht en het creatieve vermogen van hun makers. Guama Loungestoel wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerde, bewonderde en gekoesterde creatie te zijn die praktisch en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in IJzer heeft gewonnen, integreert de beste praktijken uit de sector en heeft bekwame technische kenmerken die verbonden zijn met knowhow en talent. Guama Loungestoel wordt gerespecteerd om zijn grondigheid en is ontworpen om verbeteringen van de levenskwaliteit te bieden die helpen de wereld een betere plek te maken.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- The Guama Lounge Chair captures the strength and essence of wood in a minimalist, elegant, and timeless design.
Inspired by the natural wealth of Para, each piece is carved from sustainably managed solid wood by VEDAC, paying tribute to the harmonious connection between humans and the forest.
The purity of the lines and artisanal craftsmanship reveal not only the beauty of the material but also the skill of the local artisans. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Hieght: 100cm
Width: 75cm
Depth: 78cm - Tags
- armchair, lounge chair, brazil, pará, amazon, amazônia, sustainable wood
- Production Technology
- The Guama collection is produced in Para by VEDAC, using sustainably managed Amazonian wood. Combining advanced CNC technology with precise manual finishing, it demonstrates that the region unites innovation and craftsmanship. Each piece reflects technological excellence, respect for nature, and the refinement of contemporary Brazilian design.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part was balancing Amazonian identity with industrial viability. We faced the challenge of translating ancestral woodworking into a scalable production logic. Overcoming logistical hurdles required innovating in joinery and modularity. Internally, we had to respect traditional aesthetics while meeting rigid durability standards. This synthesis turned regional soul into a competitive, high-quality industrial product.
- Research
- We conducted exploratory research to bridge Amazonian craftsmanship with industrial scale. Using ethnographic tools and interviews with local artisans, we studied traditional woodworking. Results showed a gap between raw manual skill and market durability. Insights led to a modular assembly system that preserves aesthetic soul while optimizing logistics. This impacts the industry by proving sustainable regional design can be globally competitive, boosting local economies and design ethics.
- Inspiration
- The Guama Lounge Chair was inspired by the Amazonian landscapes of Para, where wood embodies both strength and serenity. The project seeks to express this essence through minimalist geometry and precise craftsmanship. Developed from research into local woodworking traditions and sustainable practices, it translates nature's raw vitality into refined, timeless design.
- Project Duration
- I designed the collection in January 2025 in Sao Paulo at LABMOBILI and it was manufactured in Sao Miguel do Guama by VEDAC in early February 2025. It was exhibited in the Fuori Salone in Milan in April 2025.
- Operation Flow
- The Guama Lounge Chair was designed for intuitive interaction and visual lightness. Each piece invites touch through its softened edges and balanced proportions. The solid wood structure ensures strength and durability, while its minimalist design enhances versatility in different spaces. The precise joinery and smooth finish elevate comfort, tactility, and timeless performance.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: VEDAC. Image #2: VEDAC. Image #3: VEDAC. Image #4: VEDAC. Image #5: VEDAC.
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